Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

The safety of dental x-rays is one of the most debated subjects in the field of dentistry. As far as the safety of x-rays is concerned, it’s usually the amount of radiation that our bodies are exposed to, but dental X-rays have very low doses of radiation. If you’re worried about whether you need dental x-rays, let us shed light into what dental x-rays involve, how they’re best handled and why they’re performed.

Given below are the different types of dental X-Rays:

• Bitewing Radiograph, which shows several lower and upper teeth from one side of the mouth on one small image.

• Periapical Radiograph, which shows several teeth and their roots and the jawbone.

• Complete Series is a combination of bitewing and periapical radiographs that shows all the roots, teeth and related areas of the jaws.

• Panoramic Radiograph shows all the upper and lower teeth, large portions of the jaws and other structures on one large image.

• Digital Radiograph, in which all of these types of images can be obtained digitally.

Who Needs Dental X-Rays

Dental x-rays are used diagnostically to help dentists see issues such as:

• Areas of decay

• Bone loss and gum disease

• Abscesses, which are infections between the tooth and gum

• Tumors

• Changes in the root canal

Dental X-Rays During Pregnancy

Pregnant women are mostly advised to avoid X-Rays because it might affect the health of the developing fetus. This is why it’s important to inform your dentist if you are or may be pregnant when you arrive for your appointment. However, if you have a dental emergency or are in the middle of a dental treatment plan, you can discuss the issue with your dentist and determine the best way to proceed.

Determining Whether X-Rays are Necessary

Factors that your dentist will consider include:

• Age

• Stage of dental development

• History of oral health

• Risk factors for various conditions

• Presenting symptoms

If you are looking for one of the most reputed and recommended dentists near you, then visit the professional team of AP Dental Arts in North Palm Beach.

A Guide On Improving Your Breath

When it comes to bad breath, it might be a sign of something more serious than just a bad odor! Bad breath can be caused by a variety of factors, however almost all of them are completely avoidable. Dr. Joy Eakins will discuss various factors that increase the risk of bad breath along with various tips on improving your overall breath.

Quit using tobacco.

Not only can using tobacco leave your breath smelling bad immediately after use, but the overall effect on your teeth, gums and overall oral health can actually increase your risk for chronic bad breath.

Practice better at home dental care.

We hear about how important at home dental care is all the time, yet so many Americans still neglect to properly care for their smiles. You should brush your teeth a minimum of twice a day and floss a minimum of once a day.

Rinse your mouth.

We recommend cleaning your teeth after every meal (including snacks) but if this is not possible, then rinsing with water can help. Swishing water in the mouth can help loosen debris, bacteria and plaque, washing it from the mouth.

Scrape your tongue.

Did you know that bacteria that cause bad breath can also live on your tongue? We recommend scraping your tongue at least once a day. Certain toothbrushes are made with a tongue scraper or you can invest in one specifically for that purpose. If you aren’t sure which product is right for you, our office is happy to guide you when ready to purchase.

Chew sugar free gum.

It may seem that mints after a meal would help with breath, but the sugar mostly found in mints can actually contribute to bad breath. We recommend chewing sugar free gum after your meals to freshen breath (or carry a travel size mouthwash with you).

Drink more water.

Water is an extremely important part of not only your oral health but also your overall health. Patients with dry mouth or that experience dehydration often have increased risks of bad breath, tooth decay and even gum disease. Yikes!

Get Bad Breath Treatment in North Palm Beach

If you have you tried the above tips and are still experiencing chronic bad breath, please call and schedule an appointment with AP Dental Arts today!! We’d be happy to see you and get our oral health experts to determine the cause of your bad breath.

Alleviate Tooth Sensitivity

There’s nothing like the simple seasonal pleasures. What’s more enjoyable than a cup of hot apple cider on a blustery winter day, or a tall glass of ice water in the middle of a summer heatwave? Until, that is, tooth sensitivity makes that hot or cold treat no treat at all. If untimely tooth sensitivity is causing you problems, there are solutions we can offer!

Improving Brushing Technique

Careful brushing is a wonderful habit to get into, but sometimes there can be too much of a good thing. Over-energetic brushing can actually damage our enamel. And underneath that enamel is dentin, a more porous substance which allows heat and cold to reach the more sensitive inner tooth.

But, please, don’t give up on brushing! Switching to a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush and a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can make a world of difference. Dr. Val Tsar can recommend the most effective and safest way to brush, as well as suggest toothpastes designed to fight tooth sensitivity. Until you recover, now is the time to avoid acidic and sugary foods and drinks (which can also bother sensitive teeth) and home tooth-whitening products as well.

Preventing Gum Disease

When gum disease progresses, the gums can begin to pull away from the teeth. This recession exposes part of the root area, which is much more sensitive to heat and cold.  Regular checkups and cleanings can keep gum disease from developing. Gum disease that is already present can be treated, and we can discuss whether more intensive care, such as a gum graft, is advisable to protect the root area.

Treating Injuries to the Tooth

If you have a cavity, a fracture, or another injury to the tooth or nerve, sensitivity is a good sign that you should call us right away. And, sensitivity is a symptom that can disappear when we restore the compromised tooth, whether it requires a new or replacement filling, a crown, or a root canal. If your teeth are more sensitive as a result of tooth grinding or other orthodontic problems, we can identify those issues as well.

No matter the reason for your tooth sensitivity, we want to work with you to find out the cause of the problem and to find a solution for it. Call our North Palm Beach, FL office if you notice any unpleasant or painful reactions to temperature, foods or even wind and air. Whether it’s advice on correcting your brushing style or treating tooth and gum conditions, we are here to help you.

Keep Your Family Healthy

Keep Your Family Healthy!

Families can work together to prevent gum disease and cavities. It is important for parents to teach their children good habits that will follow them into adulthood. In between dental visits, here are some tips so that everyone from the youngest member of the family to the oldest member can do their very best to maintain great oral health.

Eat Well Together

The American Dental Association asserts that a nutritional and balanced diet is paramount to maintaining good oral health. Ensure that you and your children are eating a diet rich in calcium and protein so that your teeth remain protected, and your enamel stays strong and keeps rebuilding. Dairy products and lean meats are a great way to ensure you’re getting enough protein and calcium.

Tooth decay is commonly caused by very sugary foods and drinks. You can eat these foods in moderation, but you should try not to eat them in excess. Start your kids out on a healthy diet young, so they don’t expect to get too many sweets! If you find yourself eating a lot of unhealthy foods, as well as feeding your children these foods, try to cut back on the sweets as a family to reduce tooth decay. You can eat healthier snacks like fresh fruit, and you can drink more water!

 

The Importance of Fluoride

Fluoride helps keep our teeth from decaying. It can also help to prevent cavities in children and adults. Tap water is generally fluoridated, which means it contains enough fluoride to help prevent your teeth from decaying.

Drinking tap water rather than bottled water will save you money, as well as ensure that you and your entire family are getting a healthy amount of fluoride. If you have a home filtration system, make sure you install one that does not remove your water’s fluoride content.

Proper Brushing Technique

It is very important that you know how to correctly brush your teeth, and that in turn you teach your children how to brush their teeth. Your toothbrush should be placed at a 45-degree angle when it’s at your gum line. You should start by brushing your gum line to remove bacteria there, and then make sure you get every surface of your teeth.

Ensure that your children are brushing their teeth at least twice a day. Make sure this lasts two minutes each time!  

If your children understand how to care for their teeth from a young age, this will help prevent cavities and keep their smiles bright and beautiful. Most importantly, these techniques and habits will also follow them into adulthood!

Call our office today to schedule your cleaning or exam. A healthy mouth is a happy mouth!
(561) 855-4703. Convenient evening and early morning appointments always available.